With UCI points up for grabs, Candice Neethling (Pam Golding/Freewheel Cycology/Specialized) took victory in the Elite Women’s UCI Category 1 Stihl 2015 SA National XCO Cup Series in the Baakens Valley in Port Elizabeth on Saturday, 28 February.
Neethling’s closest rival, Cherie Vale, finished the race six-and-a-half minutes back. Noticeable absence came from Mariske Strauss, who is still dealing with a niggling injury that she sustained during a big crash in the Commonwealth Games last year.
More than 140 men and women took to the hot and dry conditions at the opening round, hoping to earn points which contribute towards rankings for the Rio 2016 Olympic Games.
The Elite women’s race saw Candice Neethling take full command on the demanding course, leading from the start on the five-lap race.
Neethling’s victory came despite a big crash on the second lap, where it appeared that a branch had pierced her leg. “The course was quite technical and I was going down a very steep descent with a sharp right turn at the bottom, which was quite powdery,” said the London 2012 Olympian.
“I could see that I wasn’t going to make the turn and I fell down. I really don’t know what happened, but I must’ve fallen on some branches. I didn’t know anything bad had happened until I looked down at my leg later on, and saw a hole there.” She received five stitches after the race.
Neethling said that the course was tough to race on. “I think everybody felt the same way, it was a really technical track. And it was so hot and humid in the valley that I couldn’t wait to get to the windy sections to cool down.
“There wasn’t much room to overtake, and I gave that much thought beforehand, which is why it was important for me to get a good start. I managed to keep the gap open, and just put the hammer down the whole way.
“I’m very happy with a first place. I could feel that I was losing concentration on the obstacles in the last laps, and I was super impressed with the level of riding from the junior and youth girls!”
Focussing well in the build up to the National Cup race, Neethling had been racing some marathon events and carrying out some short and sharp training for XCO-style racing.
“The XCO training has definitely helped and I could feel it on Saturday, and the endurance from the marathon racing kicked in on the last laps,” continued Neethling.
“I think I’m getting the balance right. I’m racing on my own this year, with support from some sponsors, Pam Golding and Freewheel Cycology; so I don’t have a team set up,” said Neethling.
Genevieve van Coller took the title in the Junior Women’s covering three laps of the 4.7km track, ahead of Christine Roda (2nd) and Saffron Vosloo (3rd).
Round 2 of the Stihl 2015 National Cup Series takes place at the Voortrekker Monument in Gauteng on 28 March. Click here for more details of the Stihl 2015 National Cup Series.
Leading Elite Women (5 laps) Results at the Stihl 2015 SA XCO Cup Series #1*:
1. Candice Neethling 01:50:48.820
2. Cherie Vale 01:57:27.470
3. Jessica Alcock 01:52:21.560 (4laps)
Junior Women (3 laps):
1. Genevieve van Coller 01:10:38.590
2. Christine Roda 01:15:17.520
3. Saffron Vosloo 01:20:54.220
Youth Women (3 laps):
1. Azulde Britz 01:21:22.930
2. Allison Morton 01:28:39.730
3. Robyn Emslie 01:42:05.880
Photo 1 caption: Candice Neethling lead the opening round of the Stihl 2015 SA National XCO Cup Series from start to finish, taking gold and valuable UCI points in the Baakens Valley in Port Elizabeth on Saturday, 28 February. Photo: Andre Hugo
Photo 2 caption: Cherie Vale (Paarl Media) at the opening round of the Stihl 2015 SA National XCO Cup Series in the Baakens Valley in Port Elizabeth on Saturday, 28 February. Photo: Evan Rothman
(With editing by gsport)
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